Game 4 update
Posted on April 15th, 2008 – 1:47 PMBy Michael Russo
Good day from Denver, where it’s scalding hot for us Minnesotans (first time I’ve referred to myself that way, and it kind of freaks me out).
So my colleagues and I were just walking through 16th Street Mall and Lawrence, and the entire Avalanche sales crew is out in force with Avs stickers and fliers essentially begging people to buy tickets for tonight’s game and a possible Game 6.
That’s something we’re not used to in Minnesota. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the Wild’s sales staff.
That’s got to be a sign of the downtrodden economy, right? I mean, this is a good hockey city — two Cups since 1996, an ice sheet full of living legends — and it hasn’t sold out the playoffs yet?
Just got back from the rink, and only a handful of guys were there. The only heavy-hitters were Marian Gaborik, Pavol Demitra, Mikko Koivu, Kim Johnsson and Niklas Backstrom, but none went on the ice.
The Wild will again dress two extra in warmups tonight, believed to be Matt Foy and Benoit Pouliot.
As for Colorado, coach Joel Quenneville said it’s a “strong option” that Jordan Leopold will play tonight, perhaps for Jeff Finger, who isn’t playing well.
Paul Stastny has also been much maligned in this series, both for his no points and four shots, and the initial mistake that led to Joe Sakic pinching in en route to Brian Rolston’s shortie last night.
The Denver Post column was an issue at the skate as Ch. 5’s Rod Simons was working on a feature for 5 o’clock. An unshaven, barely conscious, non-tie-wearing Russo also might have made a cameo.
Also, Derek Boogaard went after Cody McLeod pretty good for not playing the game “with respect.”
You can read about that tomorrow. We talked to trainer Don Fuller a lot about what his methods are for getting the players replenished for tonight. Pretty interesting stuff.
Nick Schultz was on the ice again, but he looks like he needs to gain a lot of weight. He looks famished.
They need to get him on a sportswriter’s diet. He’ll be back to his old weight by Game 5.
Laterz!
116 Responses to "Game 4 update"
Craig Leipold to be on Ecklund’s Podcast at 4pm EST. Link is below:
From the last thread:
Speaking of those “experts” at Vs, the guys doing the game babbled about Koivu “only” having 11 goals in the regular season because of the Wild’s “style of play”.
That is brutal - I have been more pro Vs. than anti (outside of the JIP issue for fans outside MN) but my opinion might be changing.
Wasn’t Dennis Weaver ‘McLeod’? (oops, that was McCloud, he did work in Denver right?) Between him and LaDerriere they may be looking at some time with Boogey/Simon!
Good work there Mike, I haven’t even looked at the aforementioned article. Probably the most hits the Denver Post site has seen ever.
So my colleagues and I were just walking through 16th Street Mall and Lawrence, and the entire Avalanche sales crew is out in force with Avs stickers and fliers essentially begging people to buy tickets for tonight’s game and a possible Game 6.
The Wild goons and their six goalie system strike again, right Kiszla?
Russo, you had your appendix out? A week after mine, I was shuffling about, barely walking. Hats off to Schultz for being where he is this early.
FYI - This almost never happens. Wild jerseys on sale at Hockeygiant.com (weekly specials) for $40. Granted, it’s $55 once you include shipping and tax, but still a fairly good bargain.
VoR,
I didn’t get any sense from Russo’s posting, that he was ripping on Schultz.
Pretty amazing how bad that article by the Denver hack was. Did the Wild team bus run over his kid on its way to the rink or something?
Keep up the good work Wild! Hopefully Gabby can get it together, and you guys will be able to enjoy a 2-3 goal REGULATION win tonight.
GO WILD !
I sure hope we set the tone eaerly tonight with some hitting and maybe a thumping or two of somebody like McLeod or Laperriere….would like to see Simon crush this Laperriere punks nose back to the other side….
Any idea if the Avs blocked area codes from the Minneapolis area to prevent Wild fans from buying tickets and traveling? Other cities have been known to do that. *coughWashingtonscrewtheCapscough*
DL - Didn’t say he was ripping Schultz. Just saying that an appendectomy takes a hell of a lot out of you. The only insult hurled at Schultz is that he lost weight, but that’s only if Schultz thinks being skinny is bad 
Russo-
re: your cameo
go shirtless, ala Rolston. We would pay attention, maybe for odd reasons.
If we lose Russo to the TV guys, I’m not sure if I be pissed or happy. On one hand, better analysis on the television but on the other no more Russo coverage in the paper. Plus the blog would be different…or gone.
So no Branko tonight yet?
So no Branko tonight?
It has been nearly 4 hours since I read that article and I am still laughing my arse off. I came very close to falling off of my chair I was laughing so hard at first. The guy is an idiot, enough said.
I guess the guys at Vs. forgot to mention that Koivu missed 24 games which might have played a role in him only having 11 goals on the year. I’m not saying, I’m just saying.
I hope our MN goons in the crayola jersey’s run the Avs all over the rink tonight with the up-tempo goonish game they played last night. Go Wild!
Adam
+ 1
Speaking of TV guys…is it possible that Bomber is being groomed as a Dumber replacement?
I actually like his commentary. I am biased tho…I liked his game too.
sportswriter’s diet
(shuddder)
Yeah, let’s goon it up! Eddie Shore, coach?
Get out there and STICK ‘EM!
kj,
Bomber groomed as replacement? = +1
Old time hockey!
Yeah that’s the ticket..it’s the economy yeah..actually we all know the Av fans SUCK! And don’t want to go see geriatric park anymore Hey-oh..thank you, thank you very much
Cody McLeod: Hundred bucks says you’re gonna crack my skull.
Koivu: I wouldn’t crack your knuckles for a hundred bucks.
Cody McLeod: So, he’s bluffing.
Koivu: Somebody’s gonna kill you, ya dumb son of a bitch, but it’s not gonna be me.
This from an article written by that same fool in Sunday’s Denver post. This truly shows he doesn’t know what he is talking about.
“Colorado defenseman Adam Foote was asked how much difference in talent exists between a higher-seeded team such as the Avs and these gritty little muckers who wipe their snotty noses on Wild sweaters.” Umm, the Wild are the higher seed.
DJ, that quote is from the 03′ series.
Well, too bad the game isn’t home tonight, that Denver idiot would have fired up the crowd quite well for us.
In fact, they ought to have Boogey read it on the big screen before the third period at the next home game.
Anyway, typical of a non-hockey town. Cups or not, Denver doesn’t care about hockey.
The Don continues to prove why he is the BEST in the business. Well done sir.
Hope we see the same lineup as last night. Pretty much a MUST win for Colorado….
ATX, LMAO!!!
Quite the phenomonal game last night. Wild played extremly tough. If they can do that again, then I expect a blow out.
Like the Don said, they sometimes lay off after a solid performance.
Sweep the leg!!!! GOOO WILLLLDDDD!!!!
(then cut it off and eat it!)
gotta go get a new battery, later goons!
So no Branko tonight?
I belive Russo reported yesterday that since Branko could not go in game 3 he was also out for game 4. Hope he can play in 5 - Branko’s a killer! (on the PK)
Getting back to a comment that we’re too giddy for just being up 2-1, I think the giddiness is due to the fact that we are consistently seeing the Wild battle when throughout the year we’ve seen them fold or not even show up for a big game. That is the reason for the giddiness, not the 2-1 lead, though that helps.
I find it humourous that Brunette (our hero of the ‘03 series), “gritty little muckers who wipe their snotty noses on Wild sweaters.” is now a beloved Av. I wonder if Brunette has ever read that description of himself and former teamates. I also wonder how the MN born players on the Avs feel about the description of their home state.
wel said phil. I agree.
Austin, thank you sir
ATX that was awesome! I about fell off my chair here at work, getting some weird looks, but totally worth it.
Any chance the Wild will try to sign Brunette this summer?
I always thought it was a mistake to let him go …. but perhaps the AVS just dumped a boatload of money on him, that we couldn’t reasonably match.
Goody, hadn’t thought about Brunette or the Minny boys, I wonder…
Damp, DR has acknowledged it as his biggest mistake in his tenure, so if the money is right, I could see it happening.
Any chance the Wild will try to sign Brunette this summer?
I always thought it was a mistake to let him go …. but perhaps the AVS just dumped a boatload of money on him, that we couldn’t reasonably match
Not likely. I don’t believe the two sides parted under very amicable terms (see W.Mitchell).
This team is getting younger. That’s just the way they’re going. So if they sign anybody at the 34/35yr mark, I think we know who THAT’S gonna be.
I just saw that PMB’s brother, Francois, has been signed to an entry level contract by the Washington Capitols.
I am just her to entertain! You are welcome fine sirs!
I am just here to entertain! You are welcome fine sirs!
*Capitals
Stupid vowels.
I’m so nervous about tonights game, I think I’m going to go out and rent
SLAPSHOT 2
just to take my mind off the game.
(Yes, I am THAT desperate for a diversion!)
FYI - Foppa and Leo likely tonight - http://www.denverpost.com/avalanche/ci_8933113
Anyone know why forsberg is called foppa? I call him floppy for obvious reasons, is foppa the same deal?
Other bozos and not so bozos talking about us:
Not likely. I don’t believe the two sides parted under very amicable terms (see W.Mitchell).
BFW, Money can mend many fences…
I don’t recall Bruno torching the bridge like Willma did.
ERRRRRRRRR,
Damp, if you want to rent something go rent Caddyshack 2. That way you can get a good nap in before the game.
I wonder if Rolston’s play in the series thus far is due to his hearing the rumor about the Rags taking a run at him in the offseason?
If he doesn’t double his salary I will be shocked.
Bruno was disappointed, but he moved on.
DR thought it would be nothing but ’80s Oilers after the lockout.
I don’t think he will be landing here - we will get younger next year. Unless Demitra and Rolston sign for a little less and wanna stay.
okay Russoville…I’m off for the joys of the New York State Thruway. I hope to be able to check back in at some point during the game, but keep the war drums beating!
GO WILD!
phil - apparently Foppa is a common nickname for Swedes with the last name Forsberg
thanks Adam..my new thing learned for the day 
Ok, here’s a wild thought(no pun intended) Walz and Bomber to replace D&D.
Yeah, I know, chances of that happening are zilch.
Adam says:
April 15th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
“Branko’s a killer!”
Branko’s a mess…..
That would be great. Walz and Bomber doing color and move Kurtz from Radio to TV for play by play.
Just for the record I am not a big Tom Reid fan. I know he is a legend but his color commentary on the radio just bugs me.
Did any of you see the blog on Denverpost.com where the bloger/ Post writter told the Avs fans they were lame! Really funny!
Has anyone that sent the Denver Post guy an email got anything back from him?
I think Bomber has done a great job as a TV man, and he certainly is a lot better than “Deer In The Headlights” Darby Hendrickson.
I’d move Darby to radio, and let Bomber handle the TV stuff.
I noticed that the Houston Aeros have Steve Kelly back on their roster and active. Too bad his chance up with the Wild was marred by an injury.
I also have noticed that thus far, Ryan Jones has only 2 shots on goal in 4-5 games, and zero points. Hope he can step it up, we need the offense he is supposed to bring.
Colton Gilles on the other hand is averaging .5 point a game and only has 4 PIM. I think the kid can play!
Joel Ward still seems to be the most consistent Aeros scorer, though recently some guy named “Galic or Galgic” or something like that, has been putting up points.
GO AEROS!!
GO WILD !!!
Here is that link…
Ok finally caught up… so from last thread joey, I love “Army of Darkness”…. “All right you primative screw heads! This is my boom stick!!!”
It’s been a busy day here while I was at work and without internet at all.
Everyone must be napping. It quiet, too quiet!
The nice thing about homer reporters writing sad, pathetic stories? Their phone number and e-mail address are at the bottom of every story. Let him know what a tool he his.
Mark Kiszla: 303-954-1053 or mkiszla@denverpost.com
I vote for not sending anyone else over to Dater’s lame blog. It’s full of Avs homers as you might expect and really, no one cares. Kiszla is dumb, ho hum.
I will say that I’m surprised there are still tickets for tonights game. It is the playoffs, right? Pretty lame Avs fans.
For Army of Darkness, I thought we might pull this out when Willie comes to town:
Possessed Sheila: You found me beautiful once…
Ash: Honey, you got reeeal ugly!
Oh, I 2nd what joey just said and will reiterate what I’ve said a couple times before, Dater deletes posts he doesn’t like, so don’t give the tyrant any traffic.
welcome back band! Army of darkness rules!
Sorry, one more from AoD, probably my favorite line (not sure how we could work it into the game entertainment, though):
Ash: Well hello Mister Fancypants. Well, I’ve got news for you pal, you ain’t leadin’ but two things: Jack and shit… and Jack just left town.
wildfan2k…
Normally, I would agree with trying to educate the tool.
However, he has shown (’03) that he doesn’t understand, nor care about accuracy, impartiality, etc.
Besides, calling him or writing him just reinforces his aura of self-importance.
Lots of people are driving home El Gato, hard to post and drive.
Ooopps, there’s the buzzer on my cake. A friend is coming over for dinner and hockey. Her birthday was last week so I’m baking cake for her.
“Shop smart shop S-Mart!!”
#2 on my list of things about this blog that I just don’t get (I think #1 should be obvious): Caring about what sportswriters write, and getting ruffled when one slights the Wild.
happy birthday to her…mine’s next week.
S-Mart???
yeah el gato, I noticed it always quiets down in here around this time..it get to be like a ECHO….ECHo…ECho..Echo..echo chamber
S-mart…that’s good, as he pulls out the shotty and kicks some arse!
kj, S-Mart is from “Army of Darkness”
kj it’s the store the main character in “Army of Darkness” works in.
“If I knew you were coming I’d a baked a cake”
But if #2 keeps the topic off of #1, I probably shouldn’t complain.
Here is someone’s e-mail to that tool–I couldn’t quite copy the spacing on the chart.
Mark-
I know you didn’t write that article - it had to be written by a 5th grader who’s emotionally torn up over the home team’s loss. I know a professional columnist couldn’t possibly write such an ignorant article devoid of facts. It’s also clear the author has never played hockey - on this point, I’m not sure if that fits your description or not.
Both the Wild and Avalanche are more finesse than tough. Most teams get their nastiness from the blueline. Looking at the two teams defensive units, it’s pretty clear Colorado has the more stout blueline as evidenced by its average penalty minutes per games played. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Wild had the lowest penalized group of defensmen in the league. This wouldn’t support your case though, so I can understand how you wouldn’t do any research to see if your emotional tirade checked out with the actual facts.
COL
PIMs
GP
PIMs/GP
MIN
PIMs
GP
PIMs/GP
Liles
26
81
0.32
Burns
80
82
0.98
Salei
98
82
1.20
Schultz
42
81
0.52
Foote
107
75
1.43
Johnsson
42
80
0.53
Hannan
55
82
0.67
Skoula
26
80
0.33
Finger
40
72
0.56
Carney
42
61
0.69
Sauer
41
54
0.76
Foster
37
56
0.66
Clark
33
57
0.58
Hill
32
35
0.91
Leopold
20
43
0.47
Nummelin
2
27
0.07
Cumiskey
16
38
0.42
avg –>
0.59
avg –>
0.71
You’re going to say, but it’s Minnesota’s forwards (Simon, Boogaard, Fedoruk and Voros) that are the problem. You’re making some ground up here, but taking a closer look at the two teams and one will find Colorado has 3 guys with more than 100 PIMs and the Wild with 2 (if you threw Salei into this mix [98 PIMs], the Avalanche would have 4 guys with more than 100 PIMs). If you were to exclude the goaltenders and look both rosters and its PIMs and GP, one would find the Avalanche average .72 PIMs/GP versus the Wild at .77 PIMs/GP over the course of the regular season. At this rate, the difference is almost statistically insignificant. Furthermore, I would argue that the regular season is more heavily refereed and so if the Wild were truly a “goon it up bunch” as you refer to them as, it would flow through the numbers over 82 games.
Additionally, don’t lie to yourself - Simon didn’t play the first two games of the playoffs and logged exactly 5 minutes and 50 seconds last night. Boogaard logged 3 minutes and 43 seconds last night and has averaged just over 6 miutes per game in these playoffs. Translation: these guys are never on the ice. Voros wasn’t dressed in game one, played 7 minutes in game two and was then used much more in game 3 (+14 minutes) as a result of Parrish and Radivojevic going down with injuries. These guys don’t get hurt - Voros doesn’t play this series. So now we’re talking the Wild have Todd Fedoruk to try and neutralize Cody McLeod and the idiot that is Ian Laperriere. You see, when you actually look at what’s going on - Lemaire is dressing Boogaard and Simon only to serve as reminders for the opponent to be careful. Call it mental warfare if you will.
Finally, over the 82 game regular season, your ‘free-flowing-offensive-minded’ Avalanche scored 227 goals - exactly 7 more than the ‘goon-it-up-clutch-and-grab-defenisive-minded’ Wild. More unbelievable, you try and justify your tale because Minnesota is located in the upper-Midwest with cold winters and that the Wild uniforms are ugly. This is as bad as journalism gets - it’s beyond amateur. I think you probably have a job only because your readership doesn’t actually understand than game quite like Minnesotans (of which I’m not) - which of course allows you to write whatever nonsense you choose….
You’re going to say, but it’s Minnesota’s forwards (Simon, Boogaard, Fedoruk and Voros) that are the problem. You’re making some ground up here, but taking a closer look at the two
Plain and simple…
“Time to go to work, Boys!”
Let’s get win #3 !
Preach On Brother Roadtripper!
Whoops, I didn’t copy well–the last sentence is the first sentence of the paragraph after the chart as you can see. I thought it was a pretty well written response. Just win this game tonight, Wild.
wow woodcock. That’s a hefty email!
My copy skills aren’t great but I had to share it. It was too damn good not to.
Agreed WRT.
I’m going to paraphrase NiNY…
Time for Back’s to make the doughnuts!
Give the little weenus some credit…. Kiszla’s tantrum managed to actually get someone to read the Denver Post. I bet he tripled the number of hits on the DP today. Let’s face it, garbage sells.
I’m out here on the east coast, hopped up on caffiene from staying up past 2:00 AM last night, listening to BOOM by POD on my iPOD.
“Is that all you got? heh, heh..
I’ll take your best shot.”
I’m so amped for tonights game that I swear the next person who comes in my office is going to get Inglewood Jacked. (oops, boss just showed up. Too bad, I always liked him….)
What is a Boom by Pod?
Where in NH, Wild’n'NH? NH is my 2nd favorite state after MN.
“Just a reminder, fans, about Die-Hard Night coming up here to Pepsi Center. Free admission to anyone who remembers the last time the Av’s won a cup.”
Denver is a shadow of its former self, when talked about as a hockey market. Actually being here in Denver and going to the Avs games, against not only Minnesota but other clubs, I can tell you that it’s a very overrated market. The fans care a lot more for the Nuggets and Broncos (obvsiouly, the Bronco’s aren’t in season right now) than they do the Avs. With the team they have, its very disgusting. I can’t recall seeing a single sell out in the 10-12 games I’ve been to out here, including “fan appreciation” day during the regular season finale with the Avs. On top of that, there is little hockey knowledgable people that I get to read from or talk to out here. I’m not trying to slam the market, I’m just giving some of you guys my perspective of the Colorado market while I’m out here for another year or two, before coming home.
That said, be at tonights game, and I can’t wait. Nothing better than being at an opponents rink during a win. Hoping for another one tonight.
Wonder if Aaron Voros or Fridge have some words with Cody McLeod, as he clearly wont fight with Boogs. Lots of drama tonight, and some of the Avs players last night were commenting how sore they were and how much this series is taking a toll on them, so hopefully we see more of that tonight.
Lets go boys!
Hello all. Just got a chance to read some of this thread. Didn’t even try the others. Been training in the new babe here at work. So can’t blog and train.
Great game last night. That McLeod has enough mouth for another row of teeth. And how ’bout LaDarriere grabbing Boogie from behind. What an idiot. Boogie just laughs at him. gnat. For the few minutes Simon played, he made a bit of an impact. PMB is really trying to get more physical. Way to skate the puck in. And Fedoruk is a factor again.
Nice shorty by Rolston. I think that goal can give us more mileage than any thing else short of Schultzy making a major recovery.
KoolAid is GREAT today, no?
Let’s go Wild!!!!!
Re: Hockey Broadcast
I haven’t been impressed by “Bomber’s” contribution to the TV broadcast. When RSimons and Bomber were on camera, I had a difficult time listening. And, did you all see Brian Rolston’s reaction to ‘Greenlay’s silly question pre-overtime? Sure, I’d rather see Mr. Kurtz doing play-by-play on TV (Hey, Billy Rob, how ’bout a simulcast???!!!), but since radio work is more demanding, let the best in the business do his thing there.
Russo, thank you for giving the unbiased FACTS to us true hockey fans.
Kind of slow on here now after I finally am caught up.
A lot about thing regarding the Denver writer.
I’m looking for another strong game by the Wild tonight. Of course it has been proved that these games can go either way but I’m looking for the boyz to return home 3-1. It would be very sweet to have the opportunity to clinch at home on Thursday in front of a raucous crowd.
ss6 - the Kool-aid tasted great on the ride up here to Fargo. Only need to refuel once.
Soo your headed to Fargoo den, aye?
Did I mention I have family in Denver. They moved there just before I got married in ‘81. This is one of the uncles that had season tickets to the Red Wings for as long as I can remember. Anyway, my uncles are both plumbers and when my uncle that moved to CO went to his first Avs game he was sooo pissed he moved seats. The guy sitting next to him, season ticket holder mind you, was so annoying asking him what was icing, offsides, why did the ref blow the wistle for that, what’s slashing. Colorado don’t know dick about hockey. I’m just sayin’….
ss6 - That’s such a great movie. Ya shure….. I’m already here. I just need to find a bar to eat at and then watch the game. I will need a place with a decent scotch selections so it might be a bit hard.
old time playoff hockey in boston. ref’s left their whistles in the room.
kj - Look like your name dropping worked so count me in for the pre game festivities at Tommy Reid’s.
I chose to avoid the hockey angle. I emailed him with the subject “Question about getting into journalism.” Instead of actually asking anything about the subject, I went into a rambling post that for a while went into the lyrics to Alice’s Restaurant before returning to the story for the grand finale.
G* - so Boston is winning?
I cannot believe this dump of hotel doesn’t have Versus. Oh, well just have to find a bar early.
G* you’re such a proliferator of ugly hockey. Go jump your car!
Im sorta rooting for the Flyers and Jim Dowd.
no score. i’m listening to HNIC more than watching it.
So far we need a table for 3… 
kj - Oh, there will be a few more I’m sure. I might have an entourage of three but not sure yet.
i’m 75% in. i’ll be bringing my old man and dickie may join us as well.
I am counting on you guys to keep me updated throughout the first period. I will try and listen on the radio, but I may not be able to. I should be able to make it home by about 10:15 so I should be able to catch some of the second and all of the third. Go Wild!
Does anyone know who the Zebra’s are tonight?
Thanks
Woodcock, I work right off the Assachussetts border near Nashua but live further west in the small hamlet of Temple. Live free or Die, baby….I do miss Minnesota, but my allergies are debilitating in the Twin Cities.
More fuel to the fire for Kiszla’s column, I was listening to XM on the way home this evening and they were going over the Wild-Avs series. They had the following comments:
1. Aaron Voros hits dirty, (harkened back to the hit on Staal in the Carolina game.) but that the goal should have counted because Theo was out of the crease and Voros just turned into him.
2. The series has been the most entertaining of all the matchups thus far…
3. And then this exchange:
“And someone wrote a brain-dead article for the Denver Post today. Did you see that?”
“You mean the Ugly Betty Story? Boy he really got lit into..”
“Yeah, and it wasn’t even Adrian Dater.”
“It wasn’t?”
“No.”
“Boy, you gotta wonder what they’re feeding those guys at the Denver Post. They seem to be angry about everything.. Those guys are just evil!”
“I bet if you put the sportswriters for the Denver Post on the ice against writers for the other teams, they’d be the ones Gooning it up….”
I almost peed myself laughing on the way home….
dave jackson and chris rooney are the refs
jay sharrers and vaughan rody are linesmen
standby ref is marc joannette
stanby linesman is thor nelson
Big D….BOOM!
It’s the title of a song by a band called P.O.D.
BOOM!, here come’s the
BOOM!, ready or not, here comes the boys from the south..
BOOM! here comes the
BOOM! ready or not, how you like me now?
food
Paid on Death…I have heard of them but not that song. I must be getting old.
I have one P.O.D cd and it has “Youth of the Nation” on it but I haven’t spun that one in while.
